Office of Public Witness champions Build Back Better Act

Presbyterians urged to contact their U.S. senators

by Darla Carter | Presbyterian News Service

The U.S. Capitol (Photo courtesy of the Office of Public Witness)

LOUISVILLE — The Washington Office of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is urging Presbyterians to call their U.S. senators to advocate for the passage of the Build Back Better Act “with all of its comprehensive investments included.”

The Office of Public Witness issued an Action Alert Monday in anticipation of Senate debate beginning on the act, which was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives last month.

“The Build Back Better bill builds upon the American Rescue Plan by providing countless investments that will uplift our economy after the devastating effects of COVID-19,” the Action Alert states. It also notes that U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, Independent-Vermont, has described the Act as “the most consequential piece of legislation for working people, the elderly, the children, the sick and the poor since [Franklin Delano Roosevelt] and the New Deal of the 1930s.”

The Office of Public Witness ties the legislation to PC(USA)’s Matthew 25 mission, which calls on churches to make communities better by helping to eradicate systemic poverty, dismantle structural racism and build congregational vitality.

“As a Matthew 25 Church, we are called to act boldly and compassionately to eradicate systemic poverty. Speaking out in favor of policies that will make a difference in the lives of millions of Americans is essential to this call,” the Action Alert states. “It is more critical than ever that we demand that the Senate pass the Build Back Better Act, with all its comprehensive investments included.”

The more than $1 trillion spending package includes important provisions related to childcare and universal nutrition, health care, tax credits, climate justice and reduction of income inequality. For example, it would make way for free pre-K for 3- and 4-year-old children and funding to provide year-round access to food to nearly 30 million children, according to OPW.

To read the full Action Alert and access a form to contact your senator, go here.

The Office of Public Witness is one of the Compassion, Peace & Justice ministries of the Presbyterian Mission Agency.